Outrage councillor Chris Jackman fears the controversial Hovefields sites could become bigger than Dale Farm if illegal development is allowed to continue.

Mr Jackman expressed his views after Basildon Council received a notice from the Court of Appeal confirming an application had been lodged to review retrospective planning there.

The council has already served enforcement notices to remove the sprawling unauthorised development which has already taken place on the land.

Dale Farm, at its peak, catered for more than 80 families. It cost Basildon Council millions of pounds to clear the camp just over ten years ago.

Mr Jackman, Conservative councillor for Wickford Park, is furious about the Hovefields situation.

He said: “This has been going on for far too long.

“I’m afraid Hovefields will potentially become bigger than Dale Farm if the travellers get their way.

“It’s all within Basildon Council’s right not to determine Mr Smith’s retrospective planning application. These people are just blatantly disregarding the council, the judges and the law.

“The residents there have been putting up with this for many years. I’ve been getting emails from residents about the latest activities at the site.

“Just two weeks ago a resident told me there were about three deliveries of hardcore in a 7.5 tonne traveller flat back truck.

“Just last weekend, I got emails saying they were levelling the hardcore at night, so they’re expanding their establishment. It’s outrageous.

“Earlier this month there was a debate in Parliament to give more powers to local authorities to move travellers. I hope it will happen.

“They know the law, they know they can’t build on the site. So why should one group have privilege over another? It’s been a big burden on the council.”

Travellers pitching up illegally in public spaces have caused much debate among councils.

However, Southend Labour councillor Julian Ware-Lane felt it was unfair for the community to stereotype travellers.

He said: “The labelling of a community is wrong because you don’t know everyone in the group. Stigmatisation of a particular group of people has dire consequences. I think society needs to be more tolerant and understanding.

“I can understand people’s concerns about some of them breaking the law. But I also think it’s an opportunity for councils to review how they can also accommodate the travelling community.

“I am putting together a motion for Southend Council to consider setting aside some land in the borough, or to work together with neighbouring councils to find suitable sites for them.

“They will have some basic facilities, which allows travellers to stop somewhere and rest. Council can put measures in place to make sure they tidy up after they leave.

“At the moment they are just finding any large space to stop over. Southend is a tourist area, we should be encouraging people to stop by and visit us, not drive them away.”